Now Commenting On:

Rangers forgo usual tarp slide due to cold

CHICAGO -- The Rangers' game against the Cubs was rained out on Wednesday night, but the players didn't celebrate with the customary group tarp slide.

"Too cold," shortstop Elvis Andrus said. "You can't do it here, it's too freezing. I was staying away from the dugout as far as possible. When it's cold, I'm going to be the last one on the field."

The tarp slide first got started in 2008. Outfielder Milton Bradley may have originated the idea after a rainout in Shea Stadium. Since then, Rangers players -- after waiting out the delay -- have celebrated the official news of a rainout by dashing from the clubhouse and sliding headfirst across the soaked tarpaulin covering the infield. Ian Kinsler, Michael Young and Josh Hamilton were among those who were regulars in the tarp slide. Now two of them are gone.

"I don't think anybody was really feeling it," Kinsler said. "It's more fun doing it in your uniform when you're all dressed up and ready for the game. When you've been sitting around in shorts and T-shirts, it's not as fun."